Volume 1, Chapter 27: Is He Really That Unpresentable?

After everything was over, Song Qinian was taken home by Gao Kunlun. Shen Chiyan did not return home that night.

Song Qinian did not know how the collaboration had turned out and remained anxious until Friday evening, when she received a text message from Li Nanxun.

Upon reading the message, Song Qinian was so excited she nearly jumped for joy: the Smiths had finally chosen to partner with Chiyan.

That was wonderful!

She would receive a one-hundred-thousand-yuan bonus, and she could finally transfer to the Planning Department!

Immediately afterward, however, she felt a tinge of sadness, knowing she could no longer use the pretext of playing a loving couple to hug Shen Chiyan.

Song Qinian quickly pulled herself together and sent a WeChat message to Shen Keqin: "Qinqin, are you free tomorrow morning? I want to buy a scooter, could you come with me to take a look?"

Shen Keqin agreed without hesitation. The next morning, she arrived to pick up Song Qinian in a red Ferrari, dressed in a red cropped top and micro-shorts.

"Sister-in-law, what kind of vehicle do you want to buy? A sports car? A sedan? Or an SUV?"

"…None of those. I… I just want to buy an electric scooter."

Shen Keqin was stunned. "What? An electric scooter?"

Song Qinian nodded and explained to Shen Keqin that she was going to work at Dingsheng Group. Previously, she only went to the company when Shen Chiyan had matters for her to attend to, and the occasional taxi ride didn't cost much. Now that she had to go to work every day, she needed a vehicle. She didn't have a driver's license, couldn't drive, and didn't have the money to buy a car, so an electric scooter was the best choice. Plus, they were immune to traffic jams.

Shen Keqin, however, felt that Song Qinian buying a scooter was completely unnecessary. "If you're going to work, can't you just ride in my brother's car? Why do you need to buy one yourself?"

Song Qinian was determined. With no other choice, Shen Keqin drove her supercar to help Song Qinian buy a scooter.

On Monday morning, Song Qinian rode her little scooter to the company. Yang Hongbin, the manager of the Planning Department, handed her an employment contract.

"Secretary Song, starting today, you are a member of the Planning Department. The benefits here are different from those in the President's Office; you might want to take a look."

Song Qinian’s eyes lit up when she saw the perfect attendance bonus. If she was never late or absent, she could receive a five-thousand-yuan bonus every month. Fortunately, she had bought the scooter; she was determined to earn that money.

"I understand. Thank you, Manager Yang."

Yang Hongbin smiled slightly. "Your situation is unique. If you need any help, feel free to come to me."

Song Qinian knew that by "unique," Yang Hongbin was referring to her inability to speak. Although she couldn't speak, she didn't want others to treat her like a freak. Still, she knew the gesture was well-intended, so she nodded with a smile. "Okay, thank you, Manager Yang."

"Hey, have you heard? That mute assistant of President Shen is joining our department."

"What? She's a mute; she can't speak. What is she going to do in our department? How are we supposed to communicate with her? We can't all go and learn sign language, can we?"

"She used to rely on President Shen's favor to act like a diva and rarely showed up at the office. What's this all about now?"

"Girls, I ran into her in the parking lot today. Guess what I saw?"

Everyone gathered around. "Hey, tell us, tell us..."

"She actually rode an electric scooter to work!"

"Ugh, how pathetic."

"It seems she really has been dumped by President Shen. Hmph, relying on beauty to serve others never lasts long."

"Exactly. A mute wanting to make a name for herself in our Planning Department? In her dreams!"

The group of gossips immediately changed their tune the moment they saw Song Qinian walk out of the manager's office. Their faces were covered in smiles as they greeted her enthusiastically and introduced themselves. Song Qinian spent the whole morning trying to cope with them, her face nearly stiff from smiling.

"Secretary Song, President Shen wants to see you in his office."

Song Qinian felt saved the moment she heard Li Nanxun's voice.

When she reached the door of the president's office, she smoothed out her clothes and knocked.

"Come in."

Song Qinian pushed the door open and saw Shen Chiyan working at his desk. He was wearing a black shirt with a white tie. White symbolized satisfaction, relief, or release; having secured the deal with the Smiths, he must be in a good mood.

Song Qinian was in a good mood too, because today she would finally get her bonus.

Shen Chiyan looked up and saw Song Qinian in a black professional suit with her hair in a low ponytail. She wore light makeup, and she looked vibrant and full of spirit. *Heh,* he thought, *I haven't been home for days, and she isn't affected in the slightest. Or perhaps, she was hoping I wouldn't come home at all.*

Seeing Shen Chiyan staring at her, Song Qinian felt a bit nervous. It was her first time wearing professional attire, and she wasn't sure if it looked good. She steadied herself and gestured, "President Shen, did you want to see me?"

"The Smiths have a flight back to Italy at three this afternoon. You’re coming with me to see them off."

Song Qinian nodded, looking at Shen Chiyan with bright, expectant eyes.

"That's all. Get out!"

Song Qinian: "..."

The smile vanished from her face instantly. Was that the only reason he called her in? What about the bonus? Why didn't he mention it? Could Shen Chiyan be trying to welch on the deal?

"Anything else?"

Song Qinian pulled a card from her pocket and placed it on Shen Chiyan's desk. "I didn't touch the money on this card. Here, it’s yours."

"You didn't spend a single cent?"

Song Qinian shook her head. She had originally intended to treat Daphne and Lu Yuzhu to a meal, but Lu Yuzhu, eager to show off her wealth, had covered all the expenses for the day. Song Qinian hadn't had a single chance to spend the money.

Shen Chiyan gave a soft hum. "You're quite something. You managed to win over Daphne without spending a penny."

Song Qinian took it as a compliment and bit the bullet, continuing to gesture, "My task is complete. So, the one hundred thousand in bonuses you promised me... when will I get it?"

Shen Chiyan’s dark eyes scrutinized her. "You don't want the three million, but you only want one hundred thousand?"

Song Qinian froze. Was Shen Chiyan thinking of giving her the whole three million? Then she thought, *What if he's testing me?* No matter what, she had finally gotten into Dingsheng Group; she couldn't afford to offend the president on her first day.

"The three million was the operating budget you gave me. The task is finished, so the money should be returned to you. The one hundred thousand is the bonus for completing the task. That is all I want."

Song Qinian’s expression was serious and earnest. Shen Chiyan couldn't tell if she was just a master of disguise, or if he hadn't been sleeping well lately, but he found he couldn't read this woman at all.

"The bonus will be issued with your salary. Now, get out!"

With Shen Chiyan's word, Song Qinian felt relieved. She turned and left the office without a backward glance.

At two in the afternoon, Li Nanxun placed a clothing bag on Song Qinian's desk. After she went to the restroom to change, she quietly took the elevator to the parking lot.

Watching Song Qinian’s furtive behavior, Shen Chiyan’s brows furrowed tightly.

*Is he really that embarrassing to be seen with?*